Sheffield’s Nick Matthew beaten by World No 1 in New York Champion of Champions final

Sheffield’s Nick Matthew received praise from World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy after losing to him in the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York.

After reinforcing his position at the top of the squash ladder with an impressive 3-1 win to and claim his fourth major PSA World Series title Elshorbagy said:

I told Nick at the end of the match that he is an inspirational player,” said Elshorbagy.

“He’s the king when it comes to playing tough matches because he seems to come back fresh every day but I’m really pleased with how I played and to get my first title here (Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall).

Matthew started the match in the ascendency and used his wealth of court-craft to take the opening game but Elshorbagy’s ferocious pace and power saw him claw his way back into the match and turn the tide, to establish a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth game Matthew looked en route to levelling the scores again but saw the opportunity slip from his hands after an unforced error when 9-7 ahead, followed by an unlucky bounce at 9-8, saw Elshorbagy rally and from then on the Bristol-based-Egyptian refused to give in.

Despite saving one match ball Matthew couldn’t find enough in his locker to hold on as Elshorbagy romped home to complete a memorable night for Egyptian squash in the Big Apple, with Raneem El Welily also taking the women’s title with victory over Alison Waters.

The 34-year-old Matthew said: “I really enjoyed the match tonight. You get to a stage in your career when you just have to enjoy the experience because you might not have many more of thResult: Final - JP Morgan Tournament of Champions